So, people really think this will be good? I mean, as in a good rendition of the books? That would be really awesome, there's too few good fantasy series, they all seem to be kinda like Xena, productioncost wise.

IF this succeds, and gets succes, it could open up for other series to be filmed...perhaps even series like Malazan book of the fallen, or wheel of time

The big difference between this and most fantasy series is simple: This is on HBO (or Showtime), not on syndicated TV. Thus, they can actually be relatively true to the books, which are .... very dark in places.

The big difference between this and most fantasy series is simple: This is on HBO (or Showtime), not on syndicated TV. Thus, they can actually be relatively true to the books, which are .... very dark in placeshave one or two pages of happiness in them.

Love the books...hopefully this will turn out decent. I don't expect the series to ever be finished.

That's insane. Stark isn't described as a huge man, but he's got to be somebody who can realistically swing Ice around, which is described as being an enormous greatsword. That doesn't sound like Dalton to me.

Note: Valyrian Steel is supposedly very light weight. For those who remember their D&D, imagine the weapon equivalent of Elvish Chain. That being said? Whoever plays Ned should have muscles, simply because of wearing armor and wielding weaponry often.

I wonder if they could work Ian McShane into a role. I liked him as the king in Kings.

I'm sure they could, but they'd probably want to save "name" actors for key roles - no sense wasting one on a small role with just a few scattered lines here and there. I'm not thinking of too many that he'd fit. Not fat enough to be Robert B., not blonde enough to be Tywin L., totally wrong for Walder Frey..., etc. Jorah Mormont is a possibility, I suppose. Stannis is also a possibility, but he's not at all how I picture Stannis.

Actually, he could be a good fit for either Hoster or Brynden Tully. Or for that matter, Barristan Selmy (who's going to need to be played by a younger actor than the role would normally call for, in order to do the necessary combat and not look like Obi Wan in Star Wars trying to swing a light saber around). Balon Greyjoy perhaps? Most of these guys I can't really recall their physical descriptions.

Of course, not all of these guys are necessarily in A Game of Thrones, either, to any great extent. Selmy's role isn't too big. The Tullys aren't in it at all as I recall, nor is Jorah Mormont. At least I don't think so. Man, it's amazing how much the books run together when you always read them as a set.

It would be cool if they could find a role for Roy Dotrice. After his amazing work on the audiobooks, he deserves to be a part of it.

The casting news has me excited and I decided to re-read Game of Thrones for a refresher before the show starts. Sean Bean should be awesome as Ned Stark.There's some more casting news and pics on GRRM's site. I don't know them but the pics shown look like good casting.

I'm actually excited about this series- Sean Bean is one my all time favorites (Loved him in LOTR "I care not" and in Equilibirum where he read poetry), and the books are great, AND we need more good fantasy movies...

also, there is a small, very small hope, that if this succeds well, we might get to see a similar project based on the Malazan books

I'm actually excited about this movie - Sean Bean is one my all time favorites (Loved him in LOTR "I care not" and in Equilibirum where he read poetry), and the books are great, AND we need more good fantasy movies...

also, there is a small, very small hope, that if this succeds well, we might get to see a similar project based on the Malazan books

I'm actually excited about this series- Sean Bean is one my all time favorites (Loved him in LOTR "I care not" and in Equilibirum where he read poetry), and the books are great, AND we need more good fantasy movies...

also, there is a small, very small hope, that if this succeds well, we might get to see a similar project based on the Malazan books

edit: to reflect that its a series, not a movie

Then you need to go look up Sharpe's Rifles and the ensuing series of films. Sean Bean front and center as an officer promoted from the ranks during the Napoleonic Wars.